The dentist in Upper East Side, New York is a trained dental professional known as a periodontist who offers a wide range of periodontal services to restore the integrity and vitality of your periodontium. Periodontics is a leading branch of dentistry that deals with conditions and diseases involving the periodontium (cementum, gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone).
Who is a periodontist?
A periodontist is a specialized dentist who concentrates on the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions and ailments impacting the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth, known as the periodontium. Their expertise extends to performing advanced procedures that exceed the typical scope of treatment provided by a general dentist.
How does a periodontist help you?
A periodontist specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease. These oral specialists specifically deal with the following structures of your oral cavity:
- Cementum: A hard layer of calcified tissue that covers your teeth roots.
- The periodontal ligament (PDL): A group of connective tissue fibers that fix or attach your teeth to the jawbone.
- Alveolar bone: The part of your jawbone comprising the tooth socket.
- Gingiva: Your gums that surround and support your teeth.
What services do periodontists offer?
Your periodontist is qualified and specially trained to offer the following services:
Periodontal maintenance: This involves regular teeth cleanings, which aid in maintaining the health of your gums. These procedures can help your periodontist detect early signs of gum disease. You must have these dental cleanings at least once every six months.
Periodontal cleaning: This involves scaling and root planing (SRP), known as deep dental cleanings in other words. This is recommended for people with mild or early-stage gum disease. The procedures involve deep cleaning of your teeth below the gum line (subgingivally) and smoothening the root surfaces to discourage plaque accumulation and bacterial build-up.
Periodontal surgery: These involve extensive surgical procedures for moderate to severe forms of gum disease, which include the following:
- Pocket reduction surgery
- Gum grafts
- Dental bone grafts
- Surgical crown lengthening
- Smile lift
- Frenectomy
- Dental implants
Regenerative procedures: These procedures are recommended for people with advanced-stage gum or periodontal disease.
Maintaining gum health is vital as it provides essential support for your teeth. Any issues or inflammation affecting the periodontium can weaken tooth stability. Periodontists are specialized dental professionals dedicated to the care of your gums and surrounding oral structures. Their goal is to preserve or restore gum health and overall oral well-being.
